Super Short Summary

In Giving up the Ghost, Hilary Mantel reflects on her life by using the metaphor of ghosts to explore themes of childhood, sickness, trauma, and family. Real and imagined ghosts embody past experiences and unfulfilled versions of herself. As she navigates difficult memories and her health struggles, she aims to articulate her true self at 50, addressing how emotional truth is affected by societal conditioning and personal history. Sensitive topics such as endometriosis, mental health, and corporal punishment are explored.